Interview with Rebel’s End

Belgian four-piece Rebel’s End mix the classic rock-sound of AC/DC with hard rock, punk and metal. This energetic band released their debut album two years ago and are currently working on their sophomore. They took the time to talk to me about where the name came from, their dream tour and the most difficult song to perform.

Where did the band name come from?

Our band name Rebel’s End refers to the first rebel Lucifer being cast down from heaven, and the fact that we, when ageing, lose a bit of the rebel inside ourselves.

How did you all get together?

Drummer Dol and guitarist/vocalist Jeff James have been playing together since 2009 and are also currently active in the black metal band Panchrysia. We have been longtime friends and even lived together for a short while.

Bassist Stijn and Jeff have a history playing in a fast and aggressive punk band called Cut here and have known each other from the local scene, going to shows and goofing around.

Lead guitarist Rutger is new to the band after rocking out in the band Elephant. We are super pleased with his experience in songwriting and fresh energy.

Our current line-up is all about friendship, the love for creating kick-ass music and the thrill of playing live.

What inspired you to become musicians?

Getting girls of course, what else :D. haha, no actually growing up listening to my dad’s blues and rock records. The love for rock music and dreams of performing live on stage.

Was that what you always wanted to do?

Not really, picking up the guitar and meeting with friends kind of triggered everything to form a band.

What song would you recommend to someone who hasn’t heard your music before?

That must be our last song of the set,” If you ain’t shooting”. A catchy rock song with an instant sing-along chorus.

What artists influence you as a band? Who do you admire?

Many artists of course. Hardcore Superstar and other Swedish sleaze bands have been a big influence on us writing music. I admire Lizzy Devine from the band The Cruel Intentions. Real rock n roll swagger and an awesome vocal sound.

Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with?

A logical choice for us would be to collaborate with other Belgium rock bands. King Hiss is a leader in the Belgium rock scene who we would love to work with.

My Mum insists that in every interview I ask; what apps do you have on your phone and which one is your favourite?

My tuning app is the one I use every frequently, youtube and facebook of course. And we transfer to send music files. My voice recorder is my favourite, to record ideas anytime and everywhere.

Can we expect to see you playing shows in the UK anytime soon?

We sure hope so, we have two UK shows in the pipeline this year, so fingers crossed.

What would you like to achieve through your music?

Having fun, and making people happy producing good rock tunes.

To you, what is the most important part of a song?

Must be the intro and the chorus, of course. The intro gets the attention and the chorus is what people remember afterwards.

What do you think is the easiest and hardest part of a song to write?

A good chorus is always challenging, a bridge I consider somewhat easier.

Our first song in the set and opening song from the album is our most technical one, called Live with hate.

What’s your earliest musical memory?

I think that must be hearing “You really got me now” from The Kinks . As the title states, it really got me hooked. What an awesome guitar riff and song. Smitten.

What’s your fondest musical memory?

My first gig ever, still young and nervous spilling beer on the power socket behind my amp, short-circuiting the main switch and lights in the venue, pitch black. A bad start but the gig was great, leaving me wanting more. To this day that is still the case.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Never give up, playing music is fun but it will give you curveballs you don’t expect. Keep your head up and work on.

Have you ever met an idol and freaked out about it?

Not the one to freak out easily actually, so no sorry, can’t say that I have J.

What would be your dream tour?

As long as we ‘re dreaming, opening for Guns n Roses would be something truly unbelievable. To tour with them and to see that great rock n roll machine play arena after arena every night, even more. Well, dream big or go home right? ☺

Where would you be, ideally, in 5 years?

Still here and still rocking, a few albums under our belt and more and bigger gigs.